UAE to get first 3D-printed laboratory in the world

Thursday, 29 September 2016 05:31

The laboratory will conduct research on drones and 3D printing technology to support DEWA’s ongoing projects. (Image source: DEWA)Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) recently awarded Convrgnt Value Engineering (LLC) a tender to construct the UAE’s first fully printed building onsite, which will also be the first 3D-printed laboratory in the world

The laboratory will be built as part of the R&D centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, and will conduct research on drones, and 3D printing technology.

DEWA managing director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said, “The construction of the 3D-printed lab reflects our on-going efforts to achieve the directives of our wise government. The Dubai 3D Printing Strategy is a unique global initiative to use technology for the service of humanity, and promote the status of the UAE and Dubai as a leading hub for 3D printing technology by 2030,” added Al Tayer.

Convrgnt’s Vibin Paul added, “The building will be printed using a system of robotic arms at the desert location. The risks of working in an unshielded open environment have to be addressed and the logistics accurately controlled during the printing operation.”

It will conduct research on the use of drones to develop the performance of photovoltaic panels to increase their efficiency, credibility, and lower their cost, as well as study and test different photovoltaic technologies. DEWA has been using drones for the last three years to monitor its electricity and water production, transmission, and distribution systems.

The drones and 3D printing lab includes four sub-laboratories – the electronics lab, the software lab, the mechanical lab and the prototype lab. The project will also include an outdoor-testing facility.